Melissa Etheridge rocked it like no other at Harrah’s Open Sky Theater, June 22. As we watched her perform on a stage set against a background landscape of mountains – all beneath a canopy of a star-filled night sky, the atmosphere became magical. The crowd was full of old and new Etheridge fans; nearly all of whom stood up in their seats and sang their hearts out at various points throughout the night. In fact, many fans never sat back down after standing up to sing along with the fabulous Ms. E.
After the concert, we had a late-night hunger attack. Our search to satisfy our cravings led us to Yokohama Yakitori Koubo, which is open until 2 a.m. Koubo is a small Japanese restaurant, which first opened in Yokohama, Japan in 1985. Located at 3904 Convoy Street in San Diego, it has the same interior design as the original restaurant. We had grilled rice ball soup and “Tokusei” Yakitori Don – a special skewers bowl with miso soup. Finding this little discovery paid off deliciously.
Harmony, Kansas opening night was full of smiling faces of people who loved the Diversionary Theatre’s production. After the play, the actors mingled with the audience, as everyone enjoyed wine and food. If you love musicals, check this play out. It runs through July 22.
Pride is in the air. People gathered after work at the W Hotel, June 26, to celebrate the awardees for Stonewall Pride, watch the Voice of America’s Pride finale, and dance the night away. The energy level at the W was high; perhaps an indication of the excitement of this year’s amazing lineup of entertainment for San Diego Pride.
Brians’ American Eatery, one of the community’s favorite dining spots and neighborhood hangouts, closed its doors Saturday. We had breakfast there for the final time, last Thursday. We’re anxious to see what the new owners will do with the place. Will the décor be preserved, as it was when it changed from Topsy’s to Brians’? Stay tuned.
June 30, we checked out the rock band Social Animal during a fundraising event at the Ruby Room. The event was organized to raise money for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. The band consists of three members, Joshua Napier, Mishelle Banaga and Jack Norris. Napier, vocals and guitar, included a Melissa Etheridge song in his musical repertoire; crediting her for being one of his main inspirations.
At our second-year attendance of the celebration of Pachanga de Frida at The Center, we were happy to see the crowd was bigger this time. The vibe was festive and the Frida lookalikes were the highlight of the night. The event benefited Latino services at The Center. Carolina Ramos, director of Community Programs and Latino Services, looked flawless as she attended to every guest during the event.
Robert Kirkman, the creator/writer of The Walking Dead comic book series, graphic novels and Skybound.com is having the first-ever The Walking Dead Escape: San Diego, July 12-14. It is unlike any obstacle course event in the U.S., expanding on the best-selling The Walking Dead comic book series and graphic novel storylines. We will be attending as spectators, watching the apocalypse from the sidelines at the Escape Party, Thursday, 5-7 p.m. We were definitely curious about participating as zombies, but what if someone gets so scared they slap you? Watching others seemed like the better option.
